Atlanta International’s Nieja Crawford emerged as a player to watch with a successful freshman season a year ago, averaging 10.5 points a game to help lead the Eagles to the second round of the Class A state playoffs.

The 5-foot-7 sophomore guard has taken her game another step higher so far this season, averaging 18.7 points a game to lead AIS to a 3-0 start this season.

Crawford opened the season with a 20-point performance in Atlanta International’s 48-37 victory over Savannah Country Day Nov. 15, and then came back with 25 points in the Eagles’ 45-36 win over Savannah Christian Nov. 16.

She went on to contribute 11 points in AIS’ 40-24 defeat of Walker Nov. 22.

For Atlanta International coach Willie Richardson, Crawford brings floor leadership at the point guard position as well as scoring to the team.

“For a point guard, she brings awareness of the floor to the offense,” Richardson said. “She can score the basketball. She’s always a leader of the team. When we need a basket, she’s going to make the right decision as far as who is going to score the basket.”

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